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Time of India
30-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
NEROCA hold TRAU to a 1-1 draw
1 2 3 4 5 6 Imphal: The Imphal Derby lived up to its billing as NEROCA FC snatched a dramatic 1-1 draw against 10-man TRAU FC in their Group E opener of 134th Durand Cup, here at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium on Wednesday. Khunjamayum Raj Singh's second-half goal gave TRAU the lead, but a stoppage-time equalizer by Arunkumar Singh, denied them all three points in a fiercely contested encounter. TRAU head coach Thangjam Saran Singh opted for an all-Indian starting eleven with Nepolean Morangthem leading the line. On the other hand, NEROCA head coach Gyan Moyon named a strong lineup which included three foreigners — Jackson Emmanuel Gomado, Mark Harrison Junior, and Ekomobong Victor Philip. The match kicked off with NEROCA pressing high and dictating tempo early on. Their first real chance came in the opening minutes when skipper Angom Kinesh Singh's shot was blocked by TRAU defender Rakesh, and Mark Harrison fired the rebound wide. However, tactical discipline from both teams made for a gritty and physical first half, which ended goalless despite the intensity on display. The second half began with the same ferocity but it was TRAU who finally broke the deadlock in the 58th minute.
United News of India
30-07-2025
- Sport
- United News of India
Late drama in Imphal derby as NEROCA deny 10-Man TRAU in Durand Cup opener
Imphal, July 30 (UNI) The 134th Durand Cup roared to life in classic fashion as the Imphal Derby delivered drama, intensity, and a stoppage-time twist. A resolute NEROCA FC salvaged a 1-1 draw against a valiant but ultimately undermanned TRAU FC in their Group E opener at the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium played in the packed stadium today. Khunjamayum Raj Singh's curling second-half strike had put TRAU in front, but Arunkumar Singh's diving header deep into added time ensured the spoils were shared in one of the most fiercely contested fixtures in Indian football. TRAU head coach Thangjam Saran Singh opted for an all-Indian XI, deploying a disciplined 4-2-3-1 formation spearheaded by Nepolean Morangthem. NEROCA's Gyan Moyon, meanwhile, showed his intent with a more aggressive 4-4-2 setup featuring three overseas players, Jackson Emmanuel Gomado, Mark Harrison Junior, and Ekomobong Victor Philip , to add muscle and flair up front. NEROCA started on the front foot, pressing high and unsettling TRAU early. The first chance fell to skipper Angom Kinesh Singh, whose low drive was blocked, before Mark Harrison wasted the rebound. TRAU gradually settled, dictating possession in midfield while NEROCA remained dangerous on the break. Despite the frenetic pace, the first half lacked cutting edge, with neither side registering a shot on target in the opening half-hour. The scoreline at the break 0-0 reflected the defensive discipline and evenly matched contest. The second half sparked to life almost immediately. Roger Khuman had a sight of goal for NEROCA, but his effort was blocked. Moments later, Mark Harrison and Nongthongbam Japes both squandered promising opportunities. Then came the breakthrough — and it was a moment of inspiration rather than design. In the 58th minute, TRAU right-back Khunjamayum Raj Singh launched what appeared to be a hopeful cross from near the corner flag. It swerved wickedly and beat NEROCA keeper Santosh Singh at the far post, a moment of unintentional brilliance that sent TRAU fans into raptures. NEROCA responded with urgency. Japes came close just after the hour mark, but TRAU's defence, marshalled by the experienced Dhananjoy Singh, held firm. Gomado threatened again, only to be denied by a crowded box. The match turned on its head in the 73rd minute when TRAU's Dhanachandra Mutum received a second yellow and his marching orders, forcing TRAU to play the final quarter with 10 men. Sensing blood, NEROCA surged forward. Substitute Zlex Mangang nearly found the leveller, only to be thwarted by a heroic block from Akash Meetei. In the 86th minute, TRAU keeper Sapam Singh produced a stunning reflex save to deny Arunkumar Singh's bullet header. But just when it seemed TRAU might cling to all three points, NEROCA broke through. In the sixth minute of stoppage time, Zlex whipped in a teasing ball from the left. Waikhom rose to head it back across the six-yard box, and Arunkumar arrived perfectly to nod home, sparking wild celebrations on the NEROCA bench and among their loyal supporters. For TRAU, it was a case of two points dropped after a brave, backs-to-the-wall display following the red card. For NEROCA, the late equaliser felt like a win — a testament to their persistence and depth from the bench. Both sides now sit on a point each in Group E, with plenty still to play for in Asia's oldest football tournament. After a two-year hiatus, the 134th edition of the Durand Cup made a triumphant return to Imphal, the capital of Manipur. The iconic KhumanLampak Stadium hosted a highly anticipated Group F clash between local teams TRAU FC andNEROCA FC, reigniting the region's deep-rooted passion for football. Governor of Manipur, Ajay Kumar Bhalla; General Upendra Dwivedi, PVSM, AVSM, Chief of Army Staff; Justice Kempaiah Somashekar, Chief Justice, Manipur High Court, Lieutenant General Ram Chander Tiwari, , GOC-in-C Eastern Command and Patron, Durand Cup Organising Committee (DCOC); and Lieutenant General Abhijit Pendharkar, GOC Spear Corps were among those who witnessed the opening match. The celebrations began an hour prior to the match, creating a festive atmosphere in the stadium. Spectators were treated to an exhilarating mix of military displays and cultural performances that reflected both the vibrancy of Manipur's traditions and the pride of the Indian Armed Forces. The cultural segment began with a flypast by Army Aviation helicopters led by Lt Col Pushkar Choudhary, carrying the National Flag and Durand Cup flag. On the ground, the Indian Army Pipe Band set the mood, followed by an intense Krav Maga display by the Grenadiers Regiment. A fusion performance by the Jawaharlal Nehru Manipuri Dance Academy blended Langdeng, Thang-Ta, Dhol-Cholom, KabuiJagoi, Pung-Cholom, and Vasanata Raas into a dazzling visual treat. This was followed by a gripping Kalarippayattu demonstration by the 'Gallant Thambis' of the Madras Regiment. Also present in the stands were Indian Women's Football Team stars. Dangmei Grace, N. Ratanbala Devi, Ph. Nirmala Devi, Th. Martina Devi, and Linda Kom Serto – all part of the squad that recently qualified for the AFC. They engaged with the crowd by tossing signed footballs into the stands, energizing young fans and promoting the sport. The half-time break saw lively performances by the Assam Rifles Symphony Band and local artist Rani Sharma with her band, adding to the festive fervour. UNI NS BM
News18
30-07-2025
- Sport
- News18
NEROCA FC snatch late goal to hold TRAU FC to 1-1 draw
Imphal, Jul 30 (PTI) NEROCA FC snatched a dramatic 1-1 draw against 10-man TRAU FC in their Group E opener at the 134th IndianOil Durand Cup here on Wednesday. The Imphal Derby lived up to its billing as Khunjamayum Raj Singh's second-half goal gave TRAU the lead, but a stoppage-time equaliser by Arunkumar Singh, denied them all three points in a fiercely contested encounter at the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium. The match kicked off with NEROCA FC pressing high and dictating tempo early on. Their first real chance came in the opening minutes when skipper Angom Kinesh Singh's shot was blocked by TRAU defender Rakesh, and Mark Harrison fired the rebound wide. As the game progressed, TRAU came into the contest, finding their rhythm in midfield and enjoying a spell of possession, though both sides struggled to create clear-cut chances. Despite flashes of attacking intent, neither side registered a shot on target in the first 30 minutes. The second half began with the same ferocity. In the 47th minute, NEROCA's Roger Khuman saw his effort blocked, and further chances from Mark Harrison and Nongthongbam Japes, went wide of the mark. It was TRAU who finally broke the deadlock in the 58th minute. Right-back Khunjamayum Raj Singh surged forward from near the corner flag and delivered what seemed like a cross, but the ball curled into the goal, glancing past NEROCA keeper Santosh Singh to give TRAU a 1-0 lead. NEROCA tried to respond quickly, with Japes nearly through in the 62nd minute, but TRAU's defence, led by Dhananjoy Singh, held firm. Jackson Gomado had another go in the 68th minute, but his shot was again blocked by a resilient TRAU backline. Drama unfolded in the 73rd minute when TRAU's Dhanachandra Mutum received a second yellow card and was sent off, leaving his side to play the remaining minutes with 10 men. With the game heading into stoppage time, TRAU dropped deep to defend their slender lead. But NEROCA finally found the breakthrough in the 96th minute after a well-orchestrated build-up. A cross from the left flank by Zlex was headed across goal by NFC player Waikhom to Arunkumar Singh, who timed his dive perfectly to nod the ball into the bottom corner and secure a dramatic late equaliser. PTI SSC SSC ATK view comments First Published: July 30, 2025, 19:15 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
News18
30-07-2025
- Sport
- News18
Durand Cup 2025: Late Drama As NEROCA FC Hold TRAU FC In Imphal Derby
Last Updated: NEROCA FC drew 1-1 against 10-man TRAU FC in the Imphal Derby at the 134th edition of the Durand Cup. The Imphal Derby lived up to its billing as NEROCA FC snatched a dramatic 1-1 draw against 10-man TRAU FC in their Group E opener of the 134th Durand Cup, here at the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium. Khunjamayum Raj Singh's second-half goal gave TRAU the lead, but a stoppage-time equalizer by Arunkumar Singh, denied them all three points in a fiercely contested encounter. TRAU Head Coach Thangjam Saran Singh opted for an all-Indian starting eleven in and with a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Nepolean Morangthem leading the line. On the other hand, NEROCA Head Coach Gyan Moyon named a strong 4-4-2 lineup, which included three foreigners, Jackson Emmanuel Gomado, Mark Harrison Junior, and Ekomobong Victor Philip, to bolster the attack. The match kicked off with NEROCA FC pressing high and dictating tempo early on. Their first real chance came in the opening minutes when skipper Angom Kinesh Singh's shot was blocked by TRAU defender Rakesh, and Mark Harrison fired the rebound wide. As the game progressed, TRAU grew into the contest, finding their rhythm in midfield and enjoying a spell of possession, though both sides struggled to create clear-cut chances. TRAU focused on a possession-based approach, while NEROCA looked to hurt them on the counter. Despite flashes of attacking intent, neither side registered a shot on target in the first 30 minutes. The electric atmosphere inside the stadium, packed with vocal local supporters, added to the derby's intensity. Tactical discipline from both teams made for a gritty and physical first half, which ended goalless despite the intensity on display. The second half began with the same ferocity. In the 47th minute, NEROCA's Roger Khuman saw his effort blocked, and further chances from Mark Harrison and Nongthongbam Japes, went wide of the mark. It was TRAU who finally broke the deadlock in the 58th minute. Right-back Khunjamayum Raj Singh surged forward from near the corner flag and delivered what seemed like a cross, but the ball curled into the goal, glancing past NEROCA keeper Santosh Singh to give TRAU a 1-0 lead. NEROCA tried to respond quickly, with Japes nearly through in the 62nd minute, but TRAU's defence, led by Dhananjoy Singh, held firm. Jackson Gomado had another go in the 68th minute, but his shot was again blocked by a resilient TRAU backline. Drama unfolded in the 73rd minute when TRAU's Dhanachandra Mutum received a second yellow card and was sent off, leaving his side to play the remaining minutes with 10 men. The match turned frantic as NEROCA pushed hard for an equaliser. Substitute Zlex Mangang broke into the box but was denied brilliantly by Akash Meetei, and in the 86th minute, TRAU goalkeeper Sapam Singh made a stunning save to his left to deny a powerful header from substitute Arunkumar Singh. With the game heading into stoppage time, TRAU dropped deep to defend their slender lead. But NEROCA finally found the breakthrough in the 96th minute after a well-orchestrated build-up. A cross from the left flank by Zlex was headed across goal by NFC player Waikhom to Arunkumar Singh, who timed his dive perfectly to nod the ball into the bottom corner and secure a dramatic late equalizer. TRAU FC will be disappointed to have conceded so late after a gritty performance, while NEROCA FC will take heart from their late fightback as both teams opened their Group E campaign with a point each. News18 Sports brings you the latest updates, live commentary, and highlights from cricket, football, tennis, badmintion, wwe and more. Catch breaking news, live scores, and in-depth coverage. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : durand cup Imphal Derby Neroca FC TRAU FC view comments Location : Imphal, India, India First Published: July 30, 2025, 18:57 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
